A/N: Once again, I own nothing! Aren't you lucky?! You get two chapters tonight!


Sherlock abruptly walked away from his mother, ignoring her sound of disapproval that turned into interest as she noticed who caught his attention. He made his way through the assembled party-goers and bowed before a surprised Molly. He took her hand and brushed a light kiss over her gloved knuckles. "You look lovely tonight Molly," he intoned in a low voice, causing a blush to form on her cheeks. "May I have the honor of your first dance this evening?"

She nodded as the small orchestra started a new song, and he pulled her onto the floor and into his arms. Molly lost herself in the feeling of being held in his arms as he guided her around the floor, completely in tune with the music.

The evening passed quickly for Molly. She danced with several of the guests, including both Lord Siger and Lord Mycroft Holmes. She spent some time speaking with Violet; Molly was convinced that the women was keeping something from her, but she couldn't figure out what or why, and decided to just let it go. She was also introduced to Anthea Holmes and was delighted to discover that the two women formed a quick friendship.

Towards the end of the night, Sherlock offered Molly another dance. This time, the song was slower and felt more intimate. She felt her heart speed up, as it did any time she was near him, but did not feel afraid. Molly never felt afraid any time he was near. That was one reason she loved him. The thought practically slapped her in the face. She loved Sherlock Holmes. If he hadn't been holding her due to the dance, Molly may have collapsed right there in the middle of the dance floor. She felt exhilarated and let herself revel in the feeling of being in Sherlock's embrace, knowing the opportunity may never come again. She never expected anything to come from their friendship, and she would never do anything to jeopardize it, so she would enjoy the moment while it lasted and move on with life, albeit with a strong change in her feelings. She would do it, though, for him.

All too soon, the dance ended. Molly politely applauded the musicians, along with everybody else. Suddenly, Sherlock left her side and headed towards the small dais where the musicians played. He cleared his throat and made an announcement. "Happy New Year, to all of my guests. I am not one for long public speeches, so that shall suffice. To end this evening, I would like to play a piece dedicated to the woman for whom I threw this little soiree, Miss Molly Hooper."

Molly blushed furiously as he picked up his violin and started to play the most beautiful song that she had ever heard. Although he hadn't said so, she knew that Sherlock Holmes had written the piece for her.


Sherlock blocked out all of the other guests in the room, focusing solely on Molly. He had spent the days since Christmas writing this song, attempting to sort out his thoughts, trying to figure out why she had become such a permanent fixture in his mind palace. He had failed, but decided that such a piece should not go to waste, and, as he had written it with her in mind, he figured that he should at least present her with what he now considered her song.

The song built toward the end, and suddenly, it was as if a wall collapsed in his mind palace. He was flooded with emotion. He knew. Sherlock Holmes finally figured out why Molly Hooper had taken up residence in his mind palace without his permission. Somehow, some way, he had started to fall in love with the girl. With that realization came a wave of pleasure and joy. Immediately after, came intense fear and self-loathing.

He ended the piece and practically threw down his bow as he stormed out of the ballroom. The guests cried out behind him, and he could hear John attempting to make excuses, but he didn't pause to listen. He threw himself down the stairs and into his laboratory, slamming the door, only to whirl around with a death-stare as Molly herself entered the room behind him.

"Is everything okay?" she asked. 'No,' he wanted to scream. Instead, he simply responded, "Why wouldn't it be?"

"Well, you left in a bit of a hurry. Thank you, for the song. It was beautiful. I don't really have words for it. Just…thank you."

His treacherous heart wanted to reply, 'It was beautiful because you are.'

Throwing a beaker across the room, enjoying the sound of shattering glass, Sherlock screamed at the all-too-innocent woman in front of him. "Just leave me be. Haven't you done enough? You're just like She was! You pretend one thing while ultimately planning something else."

Molly gasped in shock at his outburst. "I'm just like who, Sherlock? I don't understand! What are you talking about?"

"Oh, don't play innocent with me. You know exactly what you did. I know everything. Get out of my life…Irene."

Her confusion only grew as he called her the unfamiliar name. However, the confusion turned into terror as he whirled around, grabbed another glass vial, and threw it – this time, towards her. She turned and ran out of the room. Tears of fear and anger blinding her, she stumbled up the stairs, and ran into the concerned arms of Lord and Lady Holmes, with John and Mrs. Hudson right behind them. Violet pulled the sobbing girl into her embrace, trying to soothe her.

Down the stairs, the gathered ensemble could hear more things breaking and mostly unintelligible shouting, but one word that clearly kept coming through was the name "Irene."

John sighed and walked over to Molly. "I'm sorry, Molly." He sighed again and looked at Sherlock's parents, who nodded. "It's time you know."


A/N: I know it's a little short, but this was the best stopping place. Let me know what you think. I cannot promise when the next update will be, but hopefully, soon!